NEW PRESIDENT EMOTIONAL AS SHE PREPARES FOR PARK LIFE

Smiles cut through the rain as Catherine looks to bright time in office

- BY BAIRBRE HOLMES

IT was a damp, drizzly morning in Dublin when those chosen to witness Catherine Connolly's inauguration as President of Ireland began to file into St Patrick's Hall in Dublin Castle.

But thoughts of the dull weather outside were banished by the gleaming chandelier and gilt decor that had been spruced up for the occasion.

Members of the government and opposition mingled as they found their places with figures including Galway Mayor Mike Cubbard and First Minister of Northern Ireland Michelle O'Neill seated side by side.

There was a warm welcome for Sabina Higgins with hugs and handshakes from her front row neighbours Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, Labour leader Ivana Bacik and Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald.

Richard Boyd Barrett was there in a leather jacket, part of his slow return to duties as leader of People Before Profit after spending most of the year being treated for cancer.

One of a family of 14, Catherine Connolly's relatives filled a large section of seats.